The fragile but present peace in Iraq

**Farnan** · September 21, 2008, 09:55 AM

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/we...ef=todayspaper

Long but good article from the New York Times on Iraq.

**Каие** · September 21, 2008, 10:48 AM

“If the next president changes the mission, then I have to figure out,” General Odierno said, stopping himself. “You know, whoever that may be.”

:hmmm: A reference to Obama? Obama wants to pull them out, but he doesn't feel ready, eh...

**Farnan** · September 21, 2008, 10:50 AM

He's trying his best not to directly get involved in politics but its hard to do at his position...

**Каие** · September 21, 2008, 10:53 AM

I don't see why he doesn't just say it straight...If it's a huge matter such as this, perhaps he should tell Obama privately...although Obama did say he'd listen to commanders on the ground.

**Farnan** · September 21, 2008, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by ЯoMe kb8

I don't see why he doesn't just say it straight...If it's a huge matter such as this, perhaps he should tell Obama privately...although Obama did say he'd listen to commanders on the ground.

He will say it privately, but can't voice his opinions publicly...

**Каие** · September 21, 2008, 11:02 AM

Is there a legal requirement? Soldiers aren't allowed to participate politically?

**Farnan** · September 21, 2008, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by ЯoMe kb8

Is there a legal requirement? Soldiers aren't allowed to participate politically?

You are not allowed to publicly participate in politics while in uniform or while associating yourself with the US Military.

Its also why you will probably never see a picture of Senator Lindsey Graham in uniform (he is also a USAF Reserve Colonel who served in Iraq on Active Duty while a senator).

**Каие** · September 21, 2008, 11:10 AM

Ah! No wonders, but from a military perspective it's clear he doesn't want to leave pre maturely, as Patreus said last week, the "Gains can be lost". I would say that was a hint...but the Iraqi government wants them out anyway within 3 years...by 2011.

**Azog 150** · September 21, 2008, 11:29 AM

^^^Sounds reasonable enough. I am sure by 2011 the Iraqi army should be able enough to keep Iraq under control.

**Каие** · September 21, 2008, 12:00 PM

We all hope that of course, lets just hope nothing happens from here on that can drastically change anything. The Sunni Militia is onside, the Mehdi Army is sleeping and Al Qaeda is nearly gone.

**Caelius** · September 21, 2008, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by ЯoMe kb8

The Sunni Militia is onside, the Mehdi Army is sleeping and Al Qaeda is nearly gone.

If by "sleeping" you're implying that the Mahdi Army is so tactically and strategically broken as to be associated with the likes of Humpty Dumpty....

....then yes i'd have to agree with you.

**Каие** · September 21, 2008, 12:10 PM

I meant it had been ordered to abide by a ceasefire by it's leader.

**mrmouth** · September 21, 2008, 02:14 PM

Its spiritual 'leader' is in exile in Iran. The group has splintered to a point he has no control over anything really. Thus he called for a new Mahdi Army to be born just this summer.

Never happened.